I've sorta concluded that I'm happy enough with my HP-A8 that I can't justify the price difference for the DP1. At least in Japan the DP1 could easily cost 2x the cost of the HP-A8. I think if I'm going to get an upgrade I'd like to get a significant jump up in improvement - this may be the DP1+ZDSE combo (or Invicta+ZDSE) rather than just the DP1 alone.

DP1 costs 2x of the HP-A8 in Japan? In Korea the DP1 (2,200,000 won) is cheaper than the HP-A8 (2,300,000 won)! I guess the reason why the DP1 is expensive in Japan (and the HP-A8 is expensive in Korea) is tax on foreign goods.

The DP1 has a relatively good headphone amp section, but the best part of it is its DAC. The DP1 shines best when used as a DAC+preamp. Comparing headphone amp only, I have a feeling that the ZDSE (a dedicated headphone amp) will trounce the DP1 in virtually all aspects. One of the very few tube amps that has a low enough output impedance to drive 25-ohm TH900, I've read so much praise for its clarity and soundstage that I'm excited already.

I honestly don't expect the ZDSE + TH900 will beat the SR-009 driven by a dedicated electrostatic amp, but I think this would probably be the end-game for me.

DP1 costs 2x of the HP-A8 in Japan? In Korea the DP1 (2,200,000 won) is cheaper than the HP-A8 (2,300,000 won)! I guess the reason why the DP1 is expensive in Japan (and the HP-A8 is expensive in Korea) is tax on foreign goods.

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Dude, you have no idea how many times it's crossed my mind to PM you and say "Hey mate, wanna send a DP1 over? I'll Paypal you the cost & shipping." ;-)!! One can buy the HP-A8 for approx Y80,000 yet the DP1 is approx Y200,000...so more like 2.5x the cost.

DP1 costs 2x of the HP-A8 in Japan? In Korea the DP1 (2,200,000 won) is cheaper than the HP-A8 (2,300,000 won)! I guess the reason why the DP1 is expensive in Japan (and the HP-A8 is expensive in Korea) is tax on foreign goods.

The DP1 has a relatively good headphone amp section, but the best part of it is its DAC. The DP1 shines best when used as a DAC+preamp. Comparing headphone amp only, I have a feeling that the ZDSE (a dedicated headphone amp) will trounce the DP1 in virtually all aspects. One of the very few tube amps that has a low enough output impedance to drive 25-ohm TH900, I've read so much praise for its clarity and soundstage that I'm excited already.

I honestly don't expect the ZDSE + TH900 will beat the SR-009 driven by a dedicated electrostatic amp, but I think this would probably be the end-game for me.

x2. This is end of the line for me-unless the Stax bug bites me. I'd have to audition one first at those prices though.

Has anyone used the Fostex with a Burson Conductor yet? This is what I feel might back a wonderful desktop reference system.

I am using my TH900 with the Burson HA-160 which I specifically bought for this pairing. They pair really nicely and if you know anything about how the Burson HA-160 and Denon D7000 work together, then you can easily imagine how well the TH900 meshes with the older Burson amplifier. I know that the Conductor is a different amp from the HA-160, but the PRaT/bass control is the best features of the TH900 and the HA-160. With my Phonitor, the TH900 is satisfactory but you feel the lower impedance is actually limiting your overall sound quality since the Phonitor was designed for cans of 300 ohms and up (for me the Phonitor works best with 70 ohms and above). Looking forward to anyone with the Conductor/Soloist for impressions.

I am using my TH900 with the Burson HA-160 which I specifically bought for this pairing. They pair really nicely and if you know anything about how the Burson HA-160 and Denon D7000 work together, then you can easily imagine how well the TH900 meshes with the older Burson amplifier. I know that the Conductor is a different amp from the HA-160, but the PRaT/bass control is the best features of the TH900 and the HA-160. With my Phonitor, the TH900 is satisfactory but you feel the lower impedance is actually limiting your overall sound quality since the Phonitor was designed for cans of 300 ohms and up (for me the Phonitor works best with 70 ohms and above). Looking forward to anyone with the Conductor/Soloist for impressions.

I found 160D -> TH900 to be so-so. You should look into getting a neutral-bright sounding amp as well if you really want to know what the TH900's are capable of.

Yes, all the the 160 Burson amps have a reputation of being on the warm side, akin to a "tube sound". Nothing wrong with that if you want to enjoy the music, however, if I do feel analytical I just go with the Phonitor + HD800, etc. It's always good to have options!

Yes, all the the 160 Burson amps have a reputation of being on the warm side, akin to a "tube sound". Nothing wrong with that if you want to enjoy the music, however, if I do feel analytical I just go with the Phonitor + HD800, etc. It's always good to have options!

My Graham Slee Solo SRG II solid state has been amazing with my LA7000.A little more aggressive compared to my Liquid Fire,a more limited soundstage but both are a great match.I can only hope the TH900 thrives with them also.